AN ELDERLY woman’s family have criticised a housing association after she was left unable to have a bath for weeks due to delays in replacing her “dangerous” boiler.

Beatrice Clark, 74, of Shaw Street, Bury, who suffers from severe hearing problems, had her boiler condemned by Liberty Gas three weeks ago.

But repeated calls to the company and Irwell Valley housing association proved unsuccessful and although she was eventually issued with a temporary heater, she was without proper heating and hot water over Christmas.

Her daughter and carer Michelle Clark, 54, of Walnut Avenue, Bury, said: “We have been passed from pillar to post. I called the emergency number on countless occasions and each time I was told the problem has been accepted but nothing could be done and we had to wait. It has been difficult to keep warm and I have been having to find other means to wash her, It has been doubly worse because my auntie has been visiting from Liverpool for the festive season and she has recently had a stroke.”

The housing association has since provided some compensation for the cost of the electric the temporary heater used and Mrs Clarke received an apology. but the whole problem has been a disaster, according to Mrs Clark. “At least they did call to apologise, but it’s not fair on my mother as she has been looking forward to having a bath for so long but still hasn’t been able to,” she said.

An Irwell Valley Housing Association spokesman said: “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to Mrs Clark.” The boiler is expected to be replaced this week. Liberty Gas were unavailable for comment.